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Description:

Tech Room Description

The GTF Achilles was designed in 2378 as a replacement for the aging Ulysses light space superiority fighter. Though the old Myrmidon performed well in the role of space superiority, it saw limited use during the second Shivan incursion due to its inadequate missile capacity and its inability to effectively integrate the newer weapons developed soon after its inception.

The Achilles is an attempt to merge the strong points of the Myrmidon and Ulysses while simultaneously incorporating high weapons capability, without sacrificing speed or maneuverability. The new design achieves this goal admirably, as it handles more smoothly than any other fighter in the fleet. Its excellent maneuverability in conjunction with a high top speed make the Achilles one of the best-suited craft for dogfighting. However, these strong points are achieved only with the sacrifice of valuable armor and shielding protection, making the Achilles virtually undefended in comparison to heavier craft. The Achilles is a bad choice for heavy offensive missions due to its low survivability rate, and it is generally recommended that the Ezechiel be used in that area.

Veteran Comments

The Achilles was supposed to be a sort of next-generation Ulysses, being an excellent dogfighter but not possessing a lot of heavy weaponry. In the same vein, the Ezechiel was supposed to be a next-generation Apollo, being less specialized but much more versatile. Both would have been made available at the beginning of the campaign, allowing the player to choose which fighter he preferred, depending on his flying style. As it is, the table stats actually made the Achilles rather underpowered.